How to Decoupage on Canvas to Make Halloween Art

Learn how to decoupage on canvas to make spooky Halloween art using a free witch printable with a black cat. It’s an easy and festive DIY!

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Halloween Art

Table of Contents

Now that it’s officially fall, I’ve been prepping for a Halloween home tour with lots of DIY projects.

Be sure to stop by later this week to see the full tour. I’m excited to share a step-by-step tutorial on how to decoupage on canvas to make Halloween art.

Not only is this an easy DIY, but I’m also sharing the cool witch printable so you can make your own in no time.

Supplies

Here are the supplies needed to make your own Halloween canvas art.

Download Free Witch Printable – there are 6 different designs to choose from. Mine is printed on 11×17 copy paper. You can also use scrapbook paper, gift bags, or any Halloween image you like.
Canvas – I picked up a 16×20 canvas picture for just $3. Simply paint over the design. It’s a great way to keep costs down.
Foam Brush
Black Acrylic Paint
Mod Podge – or your favorite decoupage medium.
Bats – I’m obsessed with these! They are under $6 at this time. I have a few more projects featuring these spooky bats. These are optional, but definitely add to the spooky vibe!

How to Decoupage on Canvas

If you follow me on Facebook you know I love mod podge crafts. I’m working on putting all of my crafts together in one post, but for now you can see them all in this collection of decoupage projects.

Step 1. Paint the Canvas

Start by painting your canvas. Normally with decoupage art, I paint the backdrop white so the image will show up better.

But, since the Halloween witch image has a dark background and will not cover the entire canvas, I painted the entire canvas black. Plus, it adds to the spooky look.

painting canvas with black acrylic paint

You will need a couple of coats. Let it dry completely.

Step 2. Trim the Design

It is important to tear the edges of your image on all 4 sides. It is much easier to blend an image on a canvas when it is uneven. If you leave the image as is, the edges will be much more noticeable.

This metal tearing paper ruler makes it super easy, but you can also just tear it yourself along the edge of the canvas.

Step 3. Cover Canvas with Mod Podge

Apply mod podge directly to your canvas. I normally use a sponge brush, but you can also use inexpensive chip brushes.

Place the image in the center of the canvas and smooth with saran wrap. Saran wrap helps keep the image from tearing, especially helpful when working with napkins.

Step 4. Blend Paint

This is the part that takes the most time. Blend the edges into the canvas with paint. A simple crumbled paper towel or sponge brush works great.

You will be covering it with a top coat so don’t worry too much about any small raised pieces.

I mixed a couple of colors together until I was happy with the color. Simply dab around the torn edges and blend.

This makes a huge difference in the finished result.

Blotting the image creates a watercolor look. Let dry completely.

Step 5. Add Top Coat

Add your favorite top coat. I normally use the same mod podge used for the initial step.

Let your mod podge project sit at least 20 minutes and the mod podge will turn from milky white to clear. I usually let it sit overnight.

Now, you are ready to decorate with your handmade Halloween art with a spooky witch and black cat.

It is an eye catching piece that looks like an actual canvas painting.

Bats on Wall

To take the Halloween witch art to the next level, I created a cool 3d scene by hanging bats on the wall and continuing the bats onto the canvas.

This looks even better in person. The bats come with double-sided stickers to make hanging the bats super easy.

Look how cool these same bats look on the inside of my living room lamp shade:

Pin For Later

Share this free printable with your friends on Pinterest by pinning the below image.

It helps my blog grow and doesn’t cost a thing! 🙂

DIY Witch canvas art with free printable

Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy Halloween!

You may also enjoy these DIY Halloween crafts and home decor:

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Leanna

Saturday 18th of October 2025

This is beautiful Michelle. I have always wondereed if it was possible to decoupage onto a canvas. I thought it wasn't, so happy to see you were successful doing it. Happy Halloween.

Michelle James

Sunday 26th of October 2025

Thanks so much for visiting. Happy Halloween!